Whether it's a weekday or Saturday morning, Brisbane is a city full of life and activities to be enjoyed. If you're looking for a fun adventure to go on in Brisbane, you're in the right place.
Ten fun activities in Brisbane include:
- Brisbane City Scenic Helicopter Ride With Rotor One
- Lunch and Cocktails at the Howard Smith Wharves
- Moreton, Stradbroke and Tangalooma Wrecks Helicopter Tour
- Art, Museums, and Culture in the South Bank Area
- Australia Zoo Helicopter Tour From Brisbane
- Luxury Brisbane CBD Hotel Stay With a Rooftop Swimming Pool
- Story Bridge Twilight Climb and Kangaroo Point Picnic
- A Private Super Yacht Charter on the Brisbane River
- VIP Behind-the-Scenes Experience at Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art
- Private Hot Air Balloon Flight Over the Scenic Rim
- Why Brisbane is the Perfect Place for Fun Things
Most Fun Things to do in Brisbane City
Without wasting any more time, here are the ten best things to do in the vibrant city of Brisbane.
1. Brisbane City Scenic Helicopter Ride With Rotor One
If you enjoy sightseeing and want to see Brisbane city from above, the Brisbane City Scenic Helicopter Ride is your best bet.
You'll take off from Archerfield airport and fly along the winding Brisbane River, where you'll get to see the Brisbane CBD, Story Bridge, South Bank and Kangaroo Point cliffs, and Mount Coot Tha.
You'll also get to see everything in the city centre, including City Hall, Suncorp Stadium and the Gabba, and on clear days, you might even see the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim ranges.
This tour lasts 30 minutes, making it ideal for those visiting Brisbane who need something last-minute yet exciting and adventurous.
2. Lunch and Cocktails at the Howard Smith Wharves
Right under the Story Bridge are the Howard Smith Wharves, a go-to spot for riverfront indulgence. You can start with a lunch at a top restaurant, then move to the beer garden for a drink, as you watch the ferries go bast along the Brisbane River.
As the sun goes down, the lights come alive, and it makes the whole area look like an outdoor art gallery.
It's also a short walk from the city centre and Queen Street, with many venues hosting live music on Friday nights. It's a great activity for a fun night with friends and family alike.
3. Moreton, Stradbroke and Tangalooma Wrecks Helicopter Tour
Rotor One offers an exciting island tour that turns a regular day into a day of luxury, with a helicopter fly-over of North Stradbroke Island, Moreton Island and the Tangalooma Wrecks.
Take off from Brisbane and see the Brisbane CBD, followed by a flight over Moreton Bay. Both North Stradbroke and Moreton are fantastic sights to see from the air, as they're full of wildlife, tourism, and natural wonders that have to be seen from a bird's-eye-view.
Of course, one of the main attractions here is getting to fly over the Tangalooma Wrecks, a series of sunken ships that form an underwater reef, easily visible just below the surface.
Not only will you get to see plenty of shipwrecks, but native Australian wildlife as well, making it a must visit attraction for anyone visiting Brisbane.
4. Art, Museums, and Culture in the South Bank Area
If you want to spend the day in Brisbane experience art and culture, then head to the South Bank and South Brisbane precincts - a great place for a guided walking tour.
This area contains the Queensland Museum, Art Gallery, and Gallery of Modern art. If you'd rather stay outside, you can always check out the South Bank Parklands, Streets Beach, and the famous Brisbane sign.
You can also cross the river for a stop at City Hall and its clock tower, as well as Parliament House. There are even free guided tours so you can better understand the architecture and history of the area.
5. Australia Zoo Helicopter Tour From Brisbane
When it comes to premium experiences, this one combines a scenic helicopter flight with a fun day at the Australia Zoo.
It all starts at Archerfield Airport, where you board a state-of-the-art private helicopter and fly over Moreton Bay, Birbie Island, and the Glass House Mountains, all before you land right at the zoo.
Once you're on the ground, you'll get to see plenty of native Australian Wildlife, plus there's the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and even walk through the koala enclosure. This is a great activity for families visiting Brisbane - especially those with younger kids.
6. Luxury Brisbane CBD Hotel Stay With a Rooftop Swimming Pool
There are plenty of top-tier hotels in Brisbane that feature rooftop swimming pools, sp access, and fantastic views of the Brisbane River and so much more.
You can stay in a hotel near the Queen Street Mall, Queens Plaza, King George Square or the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens - so you can easily visit all of them.
When staying at a luxury hotel in the Brisbane CBD, you're also a close walk to river ferries, the Roma Street Parklands, and so much more.
7. Story Bridge Twilight Climb and Kangaroo Point Picnic
One of the most impressive activities in Brisbane is a climb over the Story Bridge, which offers great views of the Brisbane CBD, South Bank, Brisbane River, and Mount Coot Tha. There is the possibility to choose smaller group tours for a more exclusive feel.
After the climb, enjoy a picnic at Kangaroo Point, and as night falls, the city centre comes alight - almost liken an urban resort. Sure, you'll need comfortable walking shoes, but this is certainly one way to have a romantic and luxurious evening.
8. A Private Super Yacht Charter on the Brisbane River
If having a private cruise on the Brisbane River sounds like a fun day to you, then charter your own superyacht - complete with an onboard chef, personal captain, champagne service, and rooftop sun deck.
Not only do you get to enjoy all of the amenities that a super yacht has to offer, but you'll also get to engage in some sightseeing as you sail past the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point cliffs, and South Bank Parklands.
Many yachts even come with jacuzzis, climate-controlled lounges, and elegant dining rooms for multi-course meals prepared onboard - and the best part is that it's totally private - just for you!
9. VIP Behind-the-Scenes Experience at Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art
For those who enjoy art and culture, one of the best Brisbane city activities is booking an exclusive after-hours tour of QAGOMA.
Here, a guide will take you through the gallery doors, where you'll get to see closed galleries, major exhibitions, and restricted collections not open to the general public.
Personalised commentary from the senior curators, time alone inside one of the Australia's most renowned art spaces, and a champagne receptions make this one of the best activities in all of Brisbane.
10. Private Hot Air Balloon Flight Over the Scenic Rim
Book yourself a private hot air balloon flight - an exclusive experience that is just for you and your partner.
You'll get to drift peacefully over the Scenic Rim while getting an up close and personal view of the mountains and valleys. They look especially beautiful in the early morning as the glow of the sun lights them up.
Many tours then also come with complementary gourmet breakfasts after the ride, making for the perfect start to an adventurous day.
Why Brisbane is the Perfect Place for Fun Things
With so much packed into one city, Brisbane makes it easy to fill your days with memorable experiences, no matter your travel style.
From riverfront dining and cultural precincts to wildlife encounters and luxury stays, there is always something happening both day and night.
What truly sets Brisbane apart, though, is how well it lends itself to aerial sightseeing. Helicopter rides give you a clear sense of the city’s layout, its winding river, nearby islands, and coastal beauty in a way nothing else can.
Among the many options available, Rotor One stands out for its professional pilots, modern helicopters, and thoughtfully designed scenic routes that showcase the very best of Brisbane and beyond.
